I am hoping you guys might know what is causing this leak. Noticed burning smell from right passenger wheel well.
Isolated possible leak on the right side of the engine. Please see pictures.
Any idea what the problem might be, or how expensive it would be to fix?
2011 G37x, only 40k miles.

 

My guess valve cover hard to see

 

I have a 2011 G37x, with 115K miles - Bought it brand new. Three months ago, I was told that the Value Cover Gaskets need to be replaced because there is a leak. I forgot all about it, and recently took my car to the dealership for an oil change, and the service manager reminded me of the leak, and that I need to have the Value Cover Gaskets replaced.

After researching and talking to my friend who knows a lot about cars, the leak happens when the gasket has gone bad - dried up, cracked, etc... If the Valve Covers are not damaged in any way (including cracking), then you just need to replace the gaskets. Replacing the gaskets is labor intensive - according to my service manager. It will cost $850.00 to replace, and majority of the cost is labor. I searched online, and the gasket is about $20.

If the Valve Covers are damaged - either dented or cracked, they will need to be replaced. The Valve Cover is about $250 or less, each, = $500 total. The cost would be $1,200 to replace at my dealership.

Either way, my dealership always have specials/coupons, I will probably get 10% off the $850. I might just go to the dealership.

I did some searches online last night, and saw some posts that some dealership charged a lot more. I guess it is depending on which dealership you go to... and which City, State? I'm in the Washington Metro Area - DC/Northern Virginia/MD.

I'm thinking about taking my car to another shop for a 2nd opinion. I texted the guy at the shop, and he said that he needs to look at the car but he thinks the cost is around $400.00. My friend who maintenance his cars told me that he would do it for me if I bring the car to his house (1.5 hours away), but he's not a certified mechanic. I read many posts that some people just did it themselves, but I rather not take chances and end up messing it up. I recommend getting a quote from the dealership and then go to a reputable mechanic and get a quote there.

Hope this helps. Guess you and I both will be spending some money.

 

I second the valve cover gasket theory.

 

FWIW I had my valve covers replaced (one was leaking) at my local shop and the labor was only like $375